A Swiss manufacturer of high-end wristwatches, Montres TUDOR SA, or simply Tudor, was founded in 1926 in Geneva, Switzerland. The company was registered by Hans Wilsdorf, who was the founder of Rolex, making Tudor the sister company to Rolex. Both companies are owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation.
During Tudor’s early days in the business, it was initially known for watches produced for the military and professional divers. In fact, several navies issued Tudor Submariners to their divers, including the US Navy SEALs and the French Marine Nationale from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Fast forward to 2009, Tudor made a major relaunch with new product lines such as the Tudor Grantour Chronograph and Tudor Glamour collection of classic watches. This was followed by a few more different lines that are inspired by their previous watches.
The brand’s aim was to make its watches more renowned and visible in the market as a watch that can be worn by many people. So, is Tudor qualified to be a luxury brand?
Is Tudor A Luxury Brand?
Tudor is definitely a luxury brand. The company has a long history of producing high-quality watches, and its products are designed to be both stylish and functional. While Tudor may not be as well-known as Rolex, it is still a highly respected watchmaker that produces some of the best timepieces in the market.
1. The Brand’s Long And Rich History
Tudor has a long and rich history dating back to 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the same man who founded Rolex. It has always been associated with high-end watches, and its products have been worn by some of the most famous people in the world. And while it is true that Tudor and Rolex share the same roots, the former is still able to make its own mark in the luxury watch market.
2. Tudor’s Product Lines
In recent years, Tudor has expanded its product lines to include a variety of different styles. The brand offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a classic timepiece or something more modern. And while Tudor watches may not be as expensive as some of the other luxury brands on the market, they are still very well-made and definitely worth the investment.
3. The High Price Tag
One of the main reasons why Tudor is considered a luxury brand is because of its price tag. While it aims to be more affordable, most of the company’s watches are priced well over $1,000, and some can even cost upwards of $6,000. Comparing it to other luxury watches, Tudor watches are a good choice among watch enthusiasts who wants a piece of luxury without breaking the bank.
4. The Quality
Since its inception, Tudor has been known for its quality craftsmanship. The company’s watches are made with the finest materials and are built to last. And while Tudor may not be as well-known as some of the other luxury brands, its products are definitely on par with the likes of Rolex and Patek Philippe. Additionally, the brand’s watches are made in Switzerland, that according to the company, its movements are 100% Swiss-made.
5. Exclusivity
Tudor is also considered a luxury brand because of its exclusivity. The company does not sell its watches in just any store; instead, they can only be found in high-end boutiques and jewelry stores. This makes Tudor watches even more desirable among watch collectors and enthusiasts.
And because of its price tag, it is clear that the brand has a target market and is not entirely for the general consumers. Sure, anyone can buy its watches, but the question is if an average person would be willing to spend more than $1,000 for a piece of watch.
6. The Materials Used
Another reason why Tudor is considered a luxury brand is because of the materials used in its watches. The company uses high-quality metals such as 316L stainless steel, which definitely adds to the overall value of the watch.
And while some people may not be able to appreciate the finer details of a watch, there is no denying that Tudor’s products are made with great care and attention to detail.
7. The Designs
Tudor is also known for its unique and stylish designs. The brand’s watches are definitely not your average timepieces, and they are sure to turn heads when you wear them. Whether you’re looking for a classic watch or something more modern, Tudor has a design that will suit your taste.
8. Status Symbol
Lastly, Tudor is considered a luxury brand because of the status symbol that it carries. The company’s watches are definitely not cheap, and they are only meant for those who can afford them. And while some people may see this as a negative, there is no denying that Tudor’s products are still very desirable among the rich and famous.
Does A Tudor Watch Hold Value?
In general, Tudor watches would not hold value for a very long time. This is because Tudor, like other watch brands, would release a new line of watches every now and then; thus, making the old ones obsolete. However, there are still some people who are willing to pay for vintage Tudor watches—mainly because of the sentimental value that they hold.
Another reason is that watches’ values naturally depreciate over time. Just like cars, watches would slowly lose their value as it ages. So, sooner or later, its value would depreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tudor as good as Rolex?
The two brands are actually owned by the same company, so they are on par with each other in terms of quality. However, Rolex is definitely the more popular brand, and its watches are usually more expensive. Nonetheless, Tudor is also good and a respectable brand in its own right.
What watch is Tudor known for?
One of Tudor’s popular watch lines is the Black Bay GMT, which is a modern take on the brand’s classic dive watches. The watch features a unique red/burgundy and blue bezel, and it is powered by Tudor’s in-house movement.
Why is Tudor so cheap?
According to Bob’s watches, “Tudor was able to achieve its more modest price point by using generic movements and Rolex-manufactured case components.” However, the company has since started to produce its own movements, and its watches are no longer as cheap as they used to be. Nonetheless, Tudor’s watches are still relatively affordable when compared to other luxury brands on the market.
What is the difference between Tudor and Rolex?
The main difference between Tudor and Rolex is the price. Rolex watches are usually more expensive because they are made with better materials and have a more luxurious feel to them. Tudor watches, on the other hand, are more affordable but are still good in terms of quality.
